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Extinct (EX) – No known individuals remaining.

Extinct in the Wild (EW) – Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range.

Critically Endangered (CR) – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered (EN) – High risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable (VU) – High risk of endangerment in the wild.

Near Threatened (NT) – Likely to become endangered in the near future.

Least Concern (LC) – Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a higher risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Data Deficient (DD) – Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.

Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Red-legged Kittiwake

Common Name: Red-legged Kittiwake

Scientific Name:Rissa brevirostris

Distribution:

In Alaska, they nest on St. George, St. Paul, and the Otter islands in the Pribilof Islands, and on Bogoslof and Buldir islands in the Aleutian Island chain. The St. George colony in Alaska contains over 80% of the world’s population. The second largest breeding colony is in Russia on the Commander Islands. They breed at only five to six locations in the world, all in the Bering Sea.

Conservation Status:

The Alaskan breeding population is estimated at 209,000 birds and is classified as highly imperiled and a species of concern. Globally they are classified as a vulnerable species. Very little information is known about the species other than from breeding sites. The following actions are recommended to maintain the population: monitor food supply, determine wintering locations, reduce negative fishery interactions, implement buffer zones around colonies, and continue with rat prevention programs.

Average Wingspan: 33 inches

Average Weight: 300 grams

Plumage Description:

Mostly white, but the upper surface of the wings and back are dark gray. Wings are tipped with black, the legs and feet are fire engine-red, and the bill is yellow.